Before his team tipped off against the Thunder on Wednesday night, Denver coach George Karl had rave reviews for what he sees in store for Oklahoma City's future.

"I love the nucleus of their team," Karl said. "It's a young team that's going to have growing pains. But (Kevin) Durant is going to lead the league in scoring someday. (Jeff) Green, a lot of people compare him to Scottie Pippen, and the reason is because he's fundamentally sound in almost every area. And (Russell) Westbrook, if you don't stay in front of him, he's extremely dangerous.

"(Nenad) Krstic is playing well. They seem to have some more confidence in him. (Thabo) Sefolosha, I think they're trying to turn him into a Bruce Bowen-type of player, and I think he's capable of handling that situation.

"I think they're in a great place. And I read that they have like 47 draft picks in the next two years. They've put themselves in a good place. And not many people know about it, but Oklahoma City is kind of a tough place to play."

KARL PRAISES WESTBROOK

Karl continued his high praise for Westbrook, but said the rookie point guard must find his niche in the NBA.

"He has scary NBA talent with his speed and size and quickness and rebounding," Karl said. "Right now, I think he's a Basketball player that's got to find a position. The point guard position is where I think they're pushing him to. I think he can be a scorer at (shooting guard), and he might be a combo. But he's had some huge games."

Karl said he thinks Westbrook has hit a wall after a drop of in the consistency he showed in January and February, but added Westbrook has displayed enough to earn a spot on the All-Rookie First Team.

QUOTABLE

"I feel bad because we've kind of stolen two games from them. I know both of those wins would have just been huge for him, or just one of them would have been exciting for him just the way they were played." - Nuggets coach Karl on coach Scott Brooks.

BRIEFLY

Durant is still feeling the effects of a shot to the right side of his abdomen after San Antonio's Michael Finley accidentally hit him in the mid-section. Durant sat at his locker with a warm pad on his right side before the game. ... Malik Rose was inactive for the second straight game Wednesday because of a strained left Achilles. ... The team will take the day off today after a back-to-back set Tuesday and Wednesday.